The City of Olympia is seeking an artist or artist team to repurpose an old steel water tank located on the site of the Grass Lake Nature Park into three sculptural elements to be sited in the park: one bird blind and two entryway markers.  At 195.71 acres, the park contains the headwaters of Green Cove Creek and one of the most environmentally intact wetland systems in northern Thurston County. Over 100 bird species and 200 plant species have been recorded in the park. Grass Lake Nature Park's primary functions are wildlife protection, wildlife viewing, and environmental education.

The City of Olympia is committed to being an inclusive, affirming and equitable place for our community members and staff to live, play and work. We adhere to the non-discriminatory treatment of all persons in employment and the delivery of services and resources. We strongly encourage people who are Black or Indigenous, people of color, transgender, non-binary, LGBTQ, immigrants, people with disabilities, and women to apply.

Please read entire project description before applying.

Anticipated Project Schedule (subject to change)
January 2024: City Council approval of project artist
March - May 2024: Concept plan development and City Council approval
June 2024: Park construction projected to begin
July 2024: Steel tank available for selected artist
September 2024: Artwork installed

Application Requirements

Contact information, letter of interest, 8 work samples, annotated image list, 3 professional references, resume.

Eligibility Criteria

This project is open to artists within Washington state, with the following caveat: the City is willing to deliver the full 10’ x 23’ tank to a fabrication site within 60 miles of Olympia, WA. Artists who prefer to demo the structure onsite (or keep intact) and haul the material themselves may work outside that radius. City of Olympia staff, Commissioners, panel members, project personnel, and immediate family members of all of the above are not eligible to apply.